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Castles of Liechtenstein

© James Foster Robinson

Over the centuries, the valley that Liechtenstein lies in has been invaded and fought over by many different armies. Local rulers built castles to defend themselves against invaders and often against their own peasants who would rise up against tyrannical and corrupt rulers. Many of the local castles were destroyed. Two, Castle Vaduz and Gutenberg Castle, still stand today. The ruins of two others can still be seen at Schellenberg and Schaan. This month we will visit Vaduz Castle

Vaduz Castle today is the official residence of the ruling Prince and his family. The castle sits on a hill over looking the Village of Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. The Castle is not open to the public but you can climb the hill and get a good look at its outside and a beautiful view of the village and valley below. The keep and buildings on the east side of the castle are thought to be the oldest surviving sections. The tower is approximately 36 ft. by 39 ft. The walls on the ground floor are up to 12 ft. thick. The original entrance, 33 foot high, was on the courtyard side. The chapel’s foundations were laid during the Middle Ages.

In the 12th Century, Count Hugo of Montfort owned the counties of Monfort, Werdenberg and Sargans, which included present day Liechtenstein. The Count’s younger son, Rudolph I, inherited the counties of Werdenburg and Sargans and Vaduz Castle was built at this time. In 1342, the County of Vaduz was formed and Herman II of Werdenberg, the first Count of Vaduz in the castle.

During the Swabian War of 1499 the valley was scene of fighting between Swiss and Swabian armies. The Swabians were defeated in a pitch battle by the Swiss near Triesen on Feb. 12. The victorious Swiss capture Vaduz Castle and burned it down. The ruling Baron was taken prisoner and the surrounding countryside was plundered. Near the end of March the Swiss advanced from Schaan and defeated the Swabians again at the battle of Frastanz on April 20. But when their hero, Wohlleb, was killed, the Swiss became discouraged and retired across the Rhine

In 1719, Schellenberg and Vaduz were united to form the Principality of Liechtenstein when Prince Johann Adam I of Liechtenstein purchased the County of Vaduz. Several years earlier he had purchased Schellenberg. The Liechtenstein family at this time lived in Vienna, Austria and did not move the Castle Vaduz. Over the year it was used as a barracks, prison, restaurant and administration center. Prince John II renovated the castle from 1904 to 1914. In 1938 when the Nazis annexed Austria, Prince Franz-Josef II and his family moved to Vaduz Castle and he became first prince to take permanent residence in Liechtenstein.

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